The Chinese jujube fruit is encouraged in Chinese cooking and traditional medicine due to its sweet and nutritious nature, making it fit in sweet or savory dishes. These are eight different recipes that use Chinese dates.
1. Chinese Red Date Tea
A warming, nourishing drink to increase energy and optimal circulation.
Ingredients
Ten dried, pitted Chinese dates
Four cups of water
One tablespoon goji berries (optional)
Honey (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dates and cut them in half.
Boil water and add the dates (and goji berries, if using).
Simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain and add honey, if desired.
2. Steamed Chicken with Chinese Dates and Ginger
An aromatic, delicious dish that's a bit sweet.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs (or breast)
6 Chinese dates (sliced)
3 slices ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
Instructions
Marinate chicken with soy sauce and Shaoxing wine for 20 minutes.
Place chicken, dates, and ginger on a heatproof plate.
Steam for 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Chinese Date and Lotus Seed Soup
A traditional dessert soup associated with relaxation and sleep.
Ingredients
8 Chinese dates, pitted
½ cup lotus seeds (soaked if dried)
4 cups water
Rock sugar (to taste)
Instructions
Rinse dates and lotus seeds.
Put water, dates, and seeds in a pot and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 1 hour. Sweeten with rock sugar to taste before serving.
4. Chinese Date and Walnut Congee
A comforting porridge that nourishes, ideal for breakfast or just as a light meal.
Ingredients
½ cup rice (rinsed)
6 Chinese dates (pitted)
¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
4 cups water
Instructions
Combine the rice, dates, walnuts, and water in a pot.
Simmer over low heat for about 40-50 minutes until creamy.
Serve warm, with honey, if desired.
5. Sweet Sticky Rice with Chinese Dates
A sticky dessert that is popular during celebrations.
Ingredients
1 cup glutinous rice (soaked for 2 hours)
8 Chinese dates (pitted and chopped)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Mix soaked rice with dates, sugar, and oil.
Steam for 40 minutes, or until it's soft and sticky.
Serve warm, optionally drizzling some honey on top.
6. Chinese Date and Pork Rib Soup
Often spicy, Cantonese soup often known as the healer's food.
Ingredients
1 lb pork ribs (blanched)
8 Chinese dates-pitted
1 piece dried tangerine peel (optional)
6 cups water
Salt to taste
Instructions
Put the pork ribs, Chinese dates, and tangerine peel into boiling water.
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours.
When done, add salt to taste.
7. Chinese Date and Black Sesame Paste
A well-mixed sweet paste for filling pastries or as a spread.
Ingredients
8 dried, pitted Chinese dates
½ cup black sesame seeds (toasted)
2 tbsp honey
Water, as needed (about ¼ cup)
Instructions
Blend sesame seeds, dates, honey, and water until smooth.
Use as a filling for pastries or as a spread.
8. Baked Chinese Date and Nut Bars
A health giving and energy-rich snack.
Ingredients
1 cup Chinese dates-pitted and chopped
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
½ cup oats
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine all the ingredients and press them into a lined baking tray.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool, slice, then enjoy!